On 23 Mar 2006 13:31:15 -0800, "Pascal" wrote:


This is posted on the IMO page: what are the concerns ans implications?
I have seen many people broadcasting the ships positions on the webb.

The Committee condemned the regrettable publication on the world-wide
web, or elsewhere, of AIS data transmitted by ships and urged Member
Governments, subject to the provisions of their national laws, to
discourage those who make available AIS data to others for publication
on the world-wide web, or elsewhere from doing so.

This was scare-mongering to try to stop the free dissemination of data from
places like AIS Live, etc.

AIS Live went subscription model instead, and is still happily sending data
to subscribers via the web - I guess terrorists don't own credit cards
either? :-)

However, it's all come to light a few days ago:

http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/5061
"A new strategy published by the Department for Transport today details the
areas where AIS technology could bring significant benefits beyond its
primary function of monitoring ship movements, and how the data it provides
could open some commercial revenue opportunities to offset its own running
costs."

with the important bit being "commercial revenue opportunities" - seems the
IMO member states are going to start selling the data now they've scared away
the private individuals from doing the same thing?

Dave